My Favourite Wedding Photographer - Bambi Wixon..

I was driving home from an away wedding last year when in the space of 20mins & 2 phone calls I had 2 of my mates basically admit they really didn’t see the point in wedding photography. Not in a intervention/telling me off kind of way- but just honest chats- especially as one of them was getting married soon. I tried to explain to them then- but I now think written would suit best.

There’s no guarantees of course- but your wedding (and the photos) has so much potential. Surrounded by your nearest & dearest there’s a chance that great things will happen. A chance your parents will tell you how proud of you they are,  maybe have a laugh with those school friends you haven’t seen in years, shed a tear with your sister, and there’s all kinds of others things that may happen- unique to your day. And if they do happen- there’s a possibility that you’ll have images to remember it by.. Sure it’s a love story about the bride & groom etc- but  weddings are a chance to celebrate all the connections in your life. And maybe your photos can capture just an insight into those relationships- get a record of it before things change. Cause things always change and people move on- we all get older and it’s as good a time as any to just get a record of all those who mean the most to you.

Then there’s Bambi Wixon- my wedding photographer & dear friend. I guess a big part of why I & all her past people admire her is that fact that she, more then anyone I’ve ever met believes in this potential. She sees the good in everyone- and that’s reflected in her images. People always look enthused and connected.. It’s incredible- the way she delivers on the potential of a wedding day. She empathises & connects with everyone she seems to meet- and within 20 minutes she knows whats going on & the people who matter most- and somehow they’re instantly comfortable with her. From there she just seems to blend in, notice everything & recognise the special interactions. And that’s the gift- recognising/anticipating the wonderful things that MIGHT happen- not the obvious stuff- that’s easy. Those unplanned occasions are here and gone in no time- but she some how managers to capitalise on those chances. And it’s a big deal- because it’s unique to your day..

Every wedding she’s been involved with has a personal touch that celebrates her couples individuality. Sure she’s organised in the lead up- but every set of images is different, inspired by her couples personalities & what’s in front of her. Not just redoing the ideas that worked last weekend.

Then during all the chaos she’s back helping to keep things on track (yep, including the non-photo details) so that her couples can just focus on enjoying the day. It may not seem like much; but I remember one day where she dressed the flower girls, tied the ties, pinned the flowers, delivered wonderfully greasy food to the bride & groom post ceremony & volunteered her car as the bridal transport. Not in a hero- save the day fashion- just trying to take care of things so that her couple could just concentrate on enjoying their day and I think it made an immeasurable difference. And after seeing the way Bambi influences the day- it just got me to thinking how yes- our job may be capturing the day, but there’s no point capturing it unless the couple have a great day worth remembering.. And that perspective is the greatest gift Bambi has given me, knowing that even as a photographer I should care more about the day then the photos- otherwise the photos may just act as a reminder of the days disappointments.

A big part of writing all this is that fact Bambi gets married in under a week. This Friday in fact & I hope that some of the people who she’s connected with over the years can just send her good vibes/messages in the lead up (and Andy too of course!)..

Can’t wait to get down there on Friday & watch you and Andy tie the knot B. Proud to be one of the few on the guest list. Sorry about the ‘feely’ post- can’t be good for my rep.. But it had to be said. Your wedding is a particularly big deal- you’ve always given so much to others- am sure it’ll all get returned to you this Anzac Day!

Below is few of our day- a couple of meaningful ones- all significant for different reasons.

Of course there’s lots more of Letitia and I (all of which I love).. But these mean plenty to us too..